Volunteers support Cumbria community after tragic shootings

Twenty Red Cross volunteers are supporting communities directly affected by the shootings. Twelve people were killed and 11 wounded on 2 June, leaving the community devastated.

Volunteers were deployed on Friday and have been offering support ever since, making contact with local community members and helping them talk through the traumatic events of recent days. They are maintaining a high-visibility presence both in the main centres and more isolated rural locations.

‘Reassuring presence’

Volunteer Stephen Lindo said: “I spoke to a man who has been bereaved during the recent tragedy. He was genuinely pleased to see the Red Cross at his door. We listened to what he wanted to tell us, and how he felt, and he said he’d like to get in touch with us later once he felt able to discuss the terrible events more.”

David Taylor added: “As a Cumbria resident and Red Cross volunteer, I know how reassuring it is having a Red Cross presence in the county at a time like this. It’s all about being visible so people know we can help should they need us.”

Working together

The Red Cross has three teams operating throughout West Cumbria, where they are working as part of the Welfare Recovery Group led by NHS Cumbria. Other organisations involved in helping the community include Churches Together, the Samaritans and CRUSE Bereavement Care.